English Art Pottery Bonzo Dog Hand-Painted Ceramic Figurine, 1930s

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Modelled seated on his haunches with front legs straight and head tipped curiously upwards, this hollow earthenware figurine represents George … Read more Modelled seated on his haunches with front legs straight and head tipped curiously upwards, this hollow earthenware figurine represents George Studdy’s popular cartoon character, Bonzo. The piece captures the puppy's instantly recognisable features, including oversized rounded eye sockets with side-glancing green pupils, an exaggerated blackened muzzle with a red-tipped tongue, and soft, folded ears framing a dome-shaped head. The figure is slip-cast in pottery with faint mould seam lines, decorated in an off-white and buff ground. Surface colour is applied using a combination of aerographed spray shading and hand-painted details, introducing mottled patches of charcoal black, rust, and warm ochre across the flank, chest, paws, and tail. Glossy painted accents define the eyes, nose, and mouth, creating a slight contrast against the soft satin finish of the body. Dating probably to the 1930s, the figurine reflects the British commercial craze for novelty mascot ceramics produced throughout the interwar era. Bonzo first appeared in 1922 in The Sketch magazine and quickly spawned an extensive range of merchandising, from postcards to ceramic novelties. Although this specific example is unmarked, figures of this distinct form and scale were widely produced by Staffordshire and English art potteries. Measuring approximately 20 cm in height and 16 cm across from paw to tail, the figurine offers substantial display proportions. It remains in very good original condition, displaying only light surface rubbing and standard shelf wear consistent with age, with no chips, cracks, hairlines, or restoration. Please see our other items for sale, where we combine shipping on multiple lots. We also offer freight shipping for larger furniture pieces. See less